Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Monday’s Arkansas football media availability… 

I. Generating Excitement
Freshman quarterback Brandon Allen is making the most of his extra practice time during bowl prep.

Allen, who redshirted this season, has drawn praise from Coach Bobby Petrino, offensive coordinator Paul Petrino and quarterback Tyler Wilson. All three have been impressed with the way that Allen has grown this season.

“It’s exciting to be out there working with him,” Paul Petrino said. “You can see he’s a coach’s kid that has been around the game his whole life. He has a good feel and anticipation of when to get rid of the ball. He throws a real nice, catchable ball. He has a chance to have a real good career here.”

Coach Bobby Petrino is also high on Allen, son of defensive backs coach Bobby Allen. Petrino noted Brandon Allen’s quick release, accuracy and intelligence.

Wilson has been impressed with Allen's throwing ability.

"He throws the ball every bit as good as I do," Wilson said. "He spins the ball. He’s a great quarterback. ... When he gets his opportunity he’s going to be special, I’m sure."

Allen said he’s made strides, particularly with his knowledge of the playbook, since arriving on campus in the summer. He got to travel with the team even while he redshirted and said he expects to be in the mix to move up the quarterback depth chart in the spring.

So in addition to all the other attributes coaches and teammates have noted, Allen also seems to have a competitive streak.

“I’m going to come back next year and really just compete for jobs,” Allen said. “That’s what I’m after.” 

II. Scoring Points
Jarius Wright anticipates a high-scoring Cotton Bowl when the No. 6 Razorbacks and No. 8 Wildcats get together. Both teams have offenses that rank in the Top 30 nationally in scoring, but it’s the defenses that really lead Wright to expect points.

Arkansas enters ranking No. 51 in total defense. Kansas State is No. 73.